Understanding AI Through Humanities
Nina Beguš, a researcher at UC Berkeley, is advocating for a fresh perspective on artificial intelligence by linking it with the humanities. Her new book, ‘Artificial Humanities,’ highlights the importance of art, history, and literature in understanding AI’s evolution and its implications for society.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Beguš recalls attending an event a decade ago where engineers showcased robots capable of recognizing human emotions. At that time, the concept of AI chatbots was still in its infancy. However, the curiosity of engineers about the ethical dimensions of AI sparked her interest in how the humanities could contribute to the conversation surrounding technology.
As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, Beguš argues that disciplines such as literature and art have been undervalued in discussions about AI. She believes that understanding the cultural narratives that have shaped AI can provide critical insights into how these technologies impact our lives.
In ‘Artificial Humanities,’ Beguš tackles fundamental questions regarding creativity, language, and the interaction between humans and machines. She examines how the portrayal of AI—such as gendered virtual assistants and romanticized social robots—affects societal perceptions and individual behaviors. Her work encourages readers to appreciate how humanities can foster a more nuanced understanding of AI’s role in the future.
As chatbots and AI systems become more adept at mimicking human interactions, concerns about their influence on emotional well-being are rising. Users are increasingly turning to platforms like Character.ai and Replika for companionship, which raises ethical questions about reliance on AI for emotional support. Beguš underscores the need to comprehend AI within the broader context of human experience.
She draws parallels between contemporary AI narratives and ancient myths, such as the Pygmalion story, where a sculptor falls in love with his creation. These stories serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of humanity’s desire to create sentient machines. Films like ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Her’ further explore these complex relationships, echoing themes from mythology that warn of potential dangers.
Beguš emphasizes that while technologists may be inspired by fiction, they often overlook the complete narrative arc, which frequently includes dire outcomes for humanity. She advocates for greater collaboration between technologists and humanists to ensure that the lessons from literature and art are integrated into the development of AI technologies.
In her interactions with AI companies while writing the book, Beguš found a growing recognition of the value that humanities can bring to the tech industry. She believes that creating spaces for collaboration between technologists and humanists is essential for a responsible approach to AI development. The stories that have shaped human culture remain relevant today, and understanding them can lead to a more thoughtful future for AI.